NST March: Marching to a different beat

dolly84

Lauren - DawnW is right, do a trial run and see how it compares. I've been buying fresh things locally and sometimes it is a bit more expensive but the extra pound or two has been re-couped by not mindlessly buying rubbish that ends up in the bin.

Spent some money yesterday on pick n mix which I now wish I hadn't done as it makes me feel very sick after eating a few but unfortunately I had forgotten that as it is so long since I had any. Also bought a couple of grocery items and some make-up for DD (I buy her essentials and she buys the rest).

A big thank you to apple for running this month - see you all in April.

Toni'sfriend

Lauren - I agree with both Dawn and Dolly. Butchers often do weekly packs or special offers which are really great quality and value and they'll sell you exactly what you want. I've found greengrocers a bit more expensive and we don't have a market but again they'll sell you exactly what you want. If you need one onion buy one onion. It will save you wondering what to do with the rest if you don't really need them and, therefore, save you money in the long run. Fishmongers are the same.
So last day of the month and yesterday was NSD no 18. That's the best I've ever managed. I have religiously kept my spending diary and have spent half of what we usually spend on food. I'm amazed. Looking at that little book fair focuses your mind.
Thank you so much for running this month's challenge, Apple.

Kerry_Woman

Grateful for:
For Apple running this month's challenge.
NSD 21/18
Bus driver waiting for me at bus stop till I got there in the early hours of this morning, about 1am.
Really enjoyable Elvis and Big Bopper tribute act night/early hours of this morning.
Did the total spends for each category for the month.
Used up 3 items of toiletries this morning.
Been out and did a couple of things.
Going to have a chilled out rest of day and evening.

indigowarrior

Not an NSD yesterday but today will be.

DawnW

Afternoon all
End of the month so time to face the music :eek:
We have had to help out a relative this month, and it has cost a fair amount. Still, I firmly believe that is what families are for. However, it doesn't help on the budgeting front I am afraid!

Budgets that were set for March, and actual spend:
Groceries - £300.58 / 250.00
Pet food - £3.25 / 10.00 (we had food left from last month so only a small spend)
Diesel - £80.27 / £65
Presents - £64.86 / £80 (family birthdays)
Toiletries and cleaning supplies - £33.33 / £30

So, a mixed bag really. Spending on other budgeted categories was high, for the reason given above. Basically, we have paid the deposit on a rented flat for my relative, and bought him some (very) second hand basic furniture and appliances. This is (I hope) a one off. I am not worried about it, but am grateful that we are able to do it without it affecting us too much, it just means our savings have taken a hit.

I have managed 12 NSDs, which I am happy with. I prefer to do several small shops as opposed to one big one, and I count ALL spends for both myself and my husband, which is a bit harsher than the rules allow, but I figure that, for me, if we have spent it, we don't have it any more, whatever it was spent on!

Still logging all spends in my diary, and transferring to my trusty spreadsheet, and it is really interesting (and scary :eek:) to see where the money has gone! Looking forward to the April challenge, which will be especially challenging, as I am due to go into hospital for an operation towards the middle of the month. Not sure what effect this will have.

Anyway, many thanks Apple Muncher for the March challenge

bizzie

Last check in for the month and made it to target for NSDs helped by being poorly so not going out and living out of freezer / cupboards.
Thank you Apple for running the month now off to sign up for April.

abundant1972

Hi all...

Big, huge apologies for my absence the latter half of this month... No excuses... just burying my head in the sand again...

I am going to bow out next month - jut because my finances are a little all over the place until my hours go up - but next pay day I'll have a better budget to work with.

I'll pop in and say 'Hola' and see how you are all getting along though

Well done for surviving March everyone!!! x

laurenh1

thanks all.

so I did try the butchers & greengrocers, certainly slightly more expensive than aldi- six pounds for a pack of bacon and some ham & possibly a few £ more for my fruit veg & salad. However, quality difference is undeniable. my Aldi fruit looks awful in the bowl next to my Greengrocers. Hub & I have agreed once per week I will go to town now to shop there & aldi for the rest.

I will keep an eye out for the hampers xx

greent

Thank you for this month's challenge, apple

I haven't been keeping full tabs but following along does at least keep me more mindful of what I'm spending.

Today I am thankful for
* getting a parking space quite quickly at Tesc0!
* only needing half a dozen items in Tesc0, so was in and out quite quickly
* DS2 & DS3 playing together with a joint Xmas present in a very sweet way
* laughter after dinner with face swapping on DS1's phone between all 6 of us
* dinner together around the table - family time

See you all next month
x

apple_muncher

Thank you everyone for taking on the March challenge. See you all in April tomorrow.